'I'm led to believe' - Mike Dean issues verdict after referee 'didn't give' Leeds penalty against James Tarkowski
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(Credit: Sky Sports/Imago)
Jack Heath
Sat 23 August 2025 16:50, UK
Mike Dean has reviewed the dubious penalty conceded by James Tarkowski in their 1-0 defeat to Leeds.
Everton will be hoping to get their first points of the campaign as they host Brighton at their new stadium tomorrow (24 August).
David Moyes‘ side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds at Elland Road as the Peacocks peppered the Toffees’ goal.
The decisive moment came when centre-back Tarkowski was adjudged to use his arm to block Leeds‘ lightning strike on goal, leading to Lukas Nmecha converting from the spot.
Former Premier League referee Dean gave his perspective on the questionable decision which sparked a huge debate in the football community.
Daniel Farke would have been elated that the handball decision went in his side’s favour (Credit: Imago)
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (23 August, 1.50pm), the conversation raged on about whether the handball was the correct outcome from the Leeds v Everton game on Monday (18 August).
Ex-PGMOL referee Dean weighed in on the debate, saying: “When I first watched it on Monday I thought it was harsh.
I don’t think Chris [Kavanagh] has to give the penalty.
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“I think the assistant referee’s got a better view and he’s got involved and given it, that’s what I’m led to believe.
“But the more I’m seeing it the more I’m saying ‘it is a penalty kick’.
But he’s gone to the ball rather than the ball gone to him, he’s leant into the ball…
“So I can fully understand why it’s given on the field, and obviously with the description the assistant referee has given the VAR I can see why it wouldn’t be overturned.”
Former Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson sympathised with fellow defender Tarkowski who would be frustrated but added: “I still think James Tarkowski knows what he’s doing.”
The conversation came back to Dean later during the show where he further added that in this kind of situation if someone leans into the ball that “it has to be” given as a penalty for the rest of the season to maintain consistency.
Football Insider verdict
After all the hype around the new stadium and a solid end to last season, it looks like the opening defeat to Leeds has burst the bubble of joy at Goodison Park.
The Toffees looked pretty toothless against a plucky and fearless Leeds outfit and rightly deserved to lose.
Now facing up against a talented Brighton outfit, Moyes will need to quickly sort out his troops if they stand any chance of getting a result in front of their home fans.
Everton fixturesEverton v Brighton (H)Everton v Mansfield (H) (EFL Cup)Wolves v Everton (A)Everton v Aston Villa (H)
The signings of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish will help the Blues find their feet as they look to move upwards rather than downwards.
However, poor squad depth and injuries to key players such as Jarred Branthwaite could be the undoing of Everton and I fear the Seagulls will be too powerful on Sunday (24 August).
The second coming of Moyes was meant to be a fresh new start to lift the gloominess away from the blue half of Merseyside, but financial constraints mean it could be a battle for survival this season rather than challenging at the top half of the table.
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